Jimbo's Killer Chili
Practical answers for making, customizing, storing, and serving Jimbo's Killer Chili. Tips on spice, venison, slow cooker, beans, and freezing.
A radio station in Detroit (WXYZ, I think) was discussing award-winning recipes on the air for listeners. I contacted them, and they sent me a chili recipe. This was in the 80s. Since then, the recipe has been modified to our own family's tastes, and passed around.
The amount of meat was reduced from 5 pounds to 3-3 1/2 pounds. Some of the smaller spice amounts were doubled and so on. At this point in time, this very spicy concoction (not for the faint of heartburn) is known as "Jimbo's Killer Chili"!
It's also a chili recipe without beans, but feel free to add your own.
Submitted by: James from Burton, MI
Yield: 12 Servings
- This is a very spicy, no-bean chili adapted from a radio recipe; brown the meat, add vegetables and seasonings, then simmer about 3 hours.
- You can swap meats, add beans, or skip the beer. Adjust heat by modifying chili powder, crushed peppers, or adding heat near the end.
- Make ahead: it keeps and freezes well. For slow cooker use, brown first, then cook low for several hours for best flavor.
Preparation Instructions:
Brown meat in large pot. If you're using venison, or other extremely lean ground meat, you may need to add some cooking oil to keep the meat from sticking and burning to the bottom of the pot. When meat is nearly browned add celery, onions, garlic, and peppers and cook with meat until onions are partially translucent.
Mix in the rest of the ingredients. If you like it extra hot, add half a dozen dried red peppers. Simmer for 2 hours stirring occasionally.
If you like, add 1/4 bottle of stout or other dark beer, and drink the rest. Simmer for 1 more hour. Remove bay leaves, and serve.
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
For garnish sprinkle with chopped onions and grated cheddar cheese. Serve with fresh cornbread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add beans to Jimbo's Killer Chili?
Yes. Canned kidney, pinto, or black beans work well. Drain and rinse them, then stir in during the last 20 to 30 minutes of simmering so they heat through but keep their shape. If you add a lot of beans, you may need a little extra liquid or seasoning.
Can I use venison or other lean meat?
Yes. Venison is fine but is very lean. Add a tablespoon or two of cooking oil when browning to prevent sticking and to keep the chili from drying out. You can also add a little beef bouillon or a splash of Worcestershire for extra richness.
How do I make the chili milder or hotter?
To make it milder, cut back on chili powder and crushed red pepper, remove seeds from fresh peppers, or skip the dried hot peppers. To make it hotter, add more chili powder, extra crushed red pepper, or a few chopped hot chiles. Add heat toward the end and taste as you go.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat and soften the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Add beer near the end if using. Remove bay leaves before serving.
How should I store and freeze leftovers?
Cool the chili to room temperature, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or juice if it is too thick.
How do I thicken or thin the chili?
To thicken, simmer uncovered longer so liquid reduces, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste. For a quick thickener, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into hot chili until it thickens. To thin, add V8, beef broth, or a little beer and simmer briefly.
Is the beer required and what can I substitute?
Beer is optional. A dark beer adds depth and a slight sweetness. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute beef broth, extra tomato juice, or nonalcoholic beer. A splash of Worcestershire or molasses can mimic some of the beer's richness.
Can I add beans to Jimbo's Killer Chili?
Yes. Canned kidney, pinto, or black beans work well. Drain and rinse them, then stir in during the last 20 to 30 minutes of simmering so they heat through but keep their shape. If you add a lot of beans, you may need a little extra liquid or seasoning.
Can I use venison or other lean meat?
Yes. Venison is fine but is very lean. Add a tablespoon or two of cooking oil when browning to prevent sticking and to keep the chili from drying out. You can also add a little beef bouillon or a splash of Worcestershire for extra richness.
How do I make the chili milder or hotter?
To make it milder, cut back on chili powder and crushed red pepper, remove seeds from fresh peppers, or skip the dried hot peppers. To make it hotter, add more chili powder, extra crushed red pepper, or a few chopped hot chiles. Add heat toward the end and taste as you go.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat and soften the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Add beer near the end if using. Remove bay leaves before serving.
How should I store and freeze leftovers?
Cool the chili to room temperature, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or juice if it is too thick.
How do I thicken or thin the chili?
To thicken, simmer uncovered longer so liquid reduces, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste. For a quick thickener, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into hot chili until it thickens. To thin, add V8, beef broth, or a little beer and simmer briefly.
Is the beer required and what can I substitute?
Beer is optional. A dark beer adds depth and a slight sweetness. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute beef broth, extra tomato juice, or nonalcoholic beer. A splash of Worcestershire or molasses can mimic some of the beer's richness.
Do you add any extra water with the chili mix or onion soup mix? Any beans?
Great!